JP2001345958A - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To improve the usability when an information image including related information distributed together with main display information is created by a portable terminal device. An input unit and a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on instruction information input from the input unit.
A mobile terminal device 1 having an information image generating unit 15 for generating an information image file by recording an identifier unique to the device in a data stream of the image file as related information of the image file, and a communication control unit. 11 transmits the information image file generated by the information image generation unit based on the instruction information input from the input unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal device, an information providing device, and an information providing method, and more particularly to providing a new icon image incorporating related information when transmitting information via communication means. The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device, an information providing device, and an information providing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, JPEG (Joint Photographic Ex)
Electronic data called "information image", which includes related information distributed together with main display information in data format information such as the (perts Group) method, is configured to function as one handling unit. Is being developed.

[0003] By using this information image, various control of the terminal device can be defined and executed by the information image provider, and the image image can be used as an image showing a program operation. Operation contents can be easily grasped.
Further, since the image information and the related information are inseparable, plagiarism to unintended uses is suppressed, and even if the information image is distributed, the return to the information of the image provider from the destination where the information image is distributed is performed. The effect can be expected.

[0004]

However, since this kind of information image is to be displayed on a so-called fixed personal computer and various processing is to be performed from now on, the image information and related information to be provided are I had to use what was stored on the personal computer.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to improve the usability when an information image including related information distributed together with main display information is created by a portable terminal device.

[0006]

(1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, an input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and an image file An information image generating unit that records an identifier unique to the portable terminal device in the data stream as related information of the image file, and generates an information image file; and wherein the communication control unit includes an instruction from the input unit. A portable terminal device for transmitting the information image file generated by the information image generation unit based on the information image file.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and a recording area for information affecting display of an image. And an image file including a non-influencing information recording area, and in the information recording area that does not affect the display of the image, an identifier unique to the mobile terminal device is recorded as relevant information of the image file, An information image generating unit that generates an information image file, wherein the communication control unit transmits the information image file generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit. Is done.

[0008] Further, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, wherein the method includes the steps of: An information providing method is provided in which an identifier unique to the portable terminal device is recorded as related information of the image file, an information image file is generated, and the information image file is transmitted.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, the information providing method having an effect on display of an image. In an image file including a recording area and a recording area for non-influencing information, in a recording area for information that does not affect display of the image, an identifier unique to the portable terminal device is used as relevant information of the image file. An information providing method for recording and generating an information image file and transmitting the generated information image file is provided.

(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image pickup means, an input section, a communication control section for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input section, and a data stream of an image file And an information image generation unit that records the unique information obtained by the imaging unit as related information of the image file and generates an information image file, wherein the communication control unit is configured to receive an instruction from the input unit. A portable terminal device for transmitting the information image file generated by the information image generation unit based on the information image file.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image pickup means, an input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and an effect on display of an image are provided. In an image file including an information recording area and a non-influential information recording area, the unique information acquired by the imaging unit is stored in the information recording area that does not affect the display of the image. An information image generating unit that records information as an information and generates an information image file, wherein the communication control unit transmits the information image file generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit A mobile terminal device is provided.

[0012] In the invention according to the second aspect, the imaging means captures and decodes a code pattern in which at least image information and unique information are encoded, and sends the code pattern to the information image generation unit. It is more preferable that the unique information is recorded as related information in the image information sent from the imaging unit.

Alternatively, the image capturing means captures and decodes a code pattern in which at least unique information is encoded, and sends the code pattern to the information image generating unit. More preferably, the unique information sent from the imaging means is recorded as related information in separately acquired image information.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, the method comprising: An information providing method for generating an information image file by recording the unique information obtained as related information of the image file and transmitting the information image file is provided.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, the method comprising: In an image file including a recording area and a recording area for non-influential information, in a recording area for information that does not affect the display of the image, the captured unique information is recorded as related information of the image file. An information providing method for generating an image file and transmitting the image file is provided.

(3) According to a third aspect of the present invention, an input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and an external unit included in the data stream of the image file. An information image generating unit that records the unique information acquired via the communication network as related information of the image file, and generates an information image file, wherein the communication control unit includes:
A portable terminal device is provided that transmits an information image file generated by the information image generation unit based on an instruction from the input unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an input section, a communication control section for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input section, and a recording area for information affecting an image display The unique information obtained via the external communication network is recorded as the relevant information of the image file in the recording area of the information which does not affect the display of the image, of the image file including the recording area of the information which does not affect the image file. An information image generating unit for generating an information image file, wherein the communication control unit transmits the information image file generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit Is provided.

[0018] In the invention according to the third aspect, at least an image file and unique information are obtained via the external communication network and sent to the information image generation unit, and the information image generation unit receives the information file from the external communication network. More preferably, the unique information is recorded in the acquired image file as related information of the image file.

Alternatively, at least unique information obtained through the external communication network is obtained and transmitted to the information image generating unit, and the information image generating unit stores the unique information obtained in the image file from the external communication network. More preferably, the information is recorded as relevant information of the image file.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a unique information storage unit for storing unique information, an image file storage unit for storing an image file, and data of the image file stored in the image file storage unit In a stream, the unique information stored in the unique information storage unit is recorded as related information of the image file, and an information image generating unit that generates an information image file; There is provided an information providing apparatus including: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits an information image file generated by an image generating unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a unique information storage unit for storing unique information, an image file storage unit for storing an image file, a storage area for information that affects display of an image, and an information storage area. The unique information stored in the unique information storage unit is recorded as related information of the image file in an image recording area of an image file including a recording area of information not giving An information providing apparatus comprising: an information image generating unit that generates an information image file; and a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the information image file generated by the information image generating unit in response to a request from a mobile terminal device. You.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing apparatus for transmitting at least unique information to a portable terminal device in response to a request from the portable terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 14. Is provided.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, advertisement information and other information relating to a store are coded into image information and information related thereto, and the coded code patterns are stored outside the store and outside the store. And / or an information provision method for posting therein is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a code pattern in which advertising information and other information relating to a store is encoded into image information and related information is posted outside and / or inside the store. Stores that are being offered.

[0025]

(1) In the portable terminal device according to the first aspect, the information image generation unit stores the information in the data stream of the image file or in the information recording area that does not affect the display of the image.
An identifier unique to the portable terminal device is recorded as related information of the image file. Then, based on the instruction from the input unit, the information image file in which the unique identifier is integrated is transmitted from the communication control unit.

(2) In the portable terminal device according to the second aspect, in the information image generation unit, the information is acquired by the image pickup means in the data stream of the image file or in the information recording area which does not affect the display of the image. The unique information is recorded as related information of the image file. Then, based on an instruction from the input unit, an information image file in which the unique information is integrated is transmitted from the communication control unit.

(3) In the portable terminal device according to the third aspect, the information image generation unit stores, via the external communication network, the data stream of the image file or the recording area of the information that does not affect the display of the image. The acquired unique information is recorded as related information of the image file. Then, based on an instruction from the input unit, an information image file in which the unique information is integrated is transmitted from the communication control unit.

(4) In the information providing method according to the fourth aspect, the advertisement information and other information relating to the store are encoded into image information and related information, and the encoded code pattern is stored outside and / or outside the store. Or post it inside.

In the store according to the fourth aspect, a code pattern in which advertisement information and other information relating to the store is encoded into image information and related information is displayed outside and / or inside the store. I have.

Therefore, the portable terminal device according to the second aspect captures a code pattern, records unique information in image information obtained from the code pattern, generates an information image file, and stores the information image file in an external device. Can be sent to

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a first embodiment of a portable terminal device 1 according to the present invention. The portable terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a communication control unit 11 having an antenna, a keyboard, an input button, and the like. , An identifier storing unit 13 storing an identifier unique to the mobile terminal device 1, an image file storing unit 14 storing an image file, and combining the image file with related information. Information image generating unit 15 for generating an information image file by using
And an information image file transmission processing unit 16 for executing a process for transmitting the information image file generated in step (1). Although the mobile terminal device 1 of the present invention is not particularly limited,
A mobile terminal device including a mobile phone such as a PDA (Personal Data Assistance) can be used for general purposes.

The portable terminal device 1 of the present invention only needs to have at least the above-mentioned functions. However, in order to improve the versatility and convenience of information processing, a display, other software and an operating system (OS) are used. May be included. Further, a web browser and an image data processing function installed in the terminal device 2 of the other party described later may be included. These functions can be constituted by hardware such as a microprocessor (MPU), a memory, various software, a hard disk drive (HDD) for storing text data and image data, and a communication interface.

In the portable terminal device 1 of this embodiment, when transmitting a specific image file stored in the image file storage unit 14 based on a command signal from the input unit 12, the unique identifier storage unit 13 Is added as related information of the image file. In the following description, unique information such as a unique identifier added to an image file is also referred to as “related information”, and an image file to which the related information is added is also referred to as an “information image file”.

As the unique identifier added to the image file, any information unique to the portable terminal device 1 is sufficient. For example, the telephone number, IP address, model serial number, or user of the portable terminal device 1 is optional. ID set to
Numbers and symbols can be used. When an ID number or the like arbitrarily set by the user is used as the unique identifier, a function of setting the unique identifier may be added so that the user can set the input from the input unit 12 of the portable terminal device 1.

The identifier unique to the portable terminal device 1 is stored in the unique identifier storage unit 13. The input unit 12 reads the specific image file from the image file storage unit 14 to the information image file transmission processing unit 16. When transmission is input, the information image generation unit 15 adds the unique identifier stored in the unique identifier storage unit 13 to the image file, and transmits the information file to the information image file transmission processing unit 16 and the communication control unit 11. The data is transmitted to a target server or another terminal device 2 via the terminal.

The related information including the unique identifier of the present embodiment only needs to be added so that it can be recognized as image data (image file). For example, the related information may be added to an empty area defined on the image file format. The image data may be embedded in the image data by using a so-called electronic watermarking technique, which is diffused and added to the image data, or may be added in front of or behind the image data body in the image format. In this case, in order to improve the security function, it may be added after performing processing such as encoding or encryption as appropriate, or in order to reduce the processing load, the unique identifier is not encoded or encrypted without being encoded. It may be added.

The method of including the related information in the image file is not particularly limited, but can be realized, for example, as follows.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the format 3 of the image information in which the related information is embedded. The image information here will be described by taking a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) image as an example. The format of the image information is not limited to the GIF format.
It is within the scope of the present invention to employ a PEG format, a PCX format, or other formats.

The start portion 301 of the format 3 of the image information shown in FIG. 7 is a field provided for identifying that this information is GIF format image information.
This is the area to which the character string IF ′ and its version are assigned.

The coloration table image data 303 is image data in which pixels are arranged in order from left to right and from top to bottom. Here, in the case of the GIF system, encoding is performed using the LZW algorithm of a variable length code.

The comment extension unit 305 is an area in the GIF data stream that contains text information that does not become graphic information, in other words, an area of information that does not affect the display of images. This area can include graphics, annotations related to the names of the production personnel and descriptions, or any other non-control or graphic data.

The end section 306 is an area indicating that this data stream has ended, and means that other parameter information and the like do not follow.

An area 302 between the start unit 301 and the color scheme table image data 303 and a color scheme table image data 303
An area 304 between the comment extension unit 305 and the comment extension unit 305 includes other information. For example, information including parameters defining a region of the display device necessary for an image to be drawn, such as a screen width, a screen height, and a color resolution, is assigned.

The related information 307 is stored in the comment extension unit 305.
Are arranged as they are or after being subjected to a process such as encryption, and are combined as one piece of image information. As a result, the image information as a data stream can include related information therein.

Although all of the above description has been made in the GIF format, any other image format that can record related information in an area separated from the image information is within the scope of the present invention. It is.

Next, a format of embedding in image information according to another example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows another format example of image information in which related information is embedded.

Here, the image information is exemplified by a GIF image. Also in this example, other than the GIF format, a JPEG format, a PCX format, and other formats can be adopted.

The start part 301 of the format 3 of the image information shown in FIG. 8 is a field provided to identify that this information is the GIF format image information, similarly to the format 3 shown in FIG. The character string “GIF” and its version are assigned.

The color scheme table image data 303 is an area in which image data in which pixels are arranged in the order from left to right and from top to bottom are arranged. Here, the image information and the related information are formed in a watermark format. In this way, the related information cannot be visually recognized as it is, and the image information can be visually recognized as it is. Here, the information thus mixed is represented by a variable-length code L
It is encoded using the ZW algorithm.

The comment extension unit 305 is an area containing text information that does not become graphic information in the GIF data stream. Although this field is not particularly required in this example, the information provider can freely use the field if necessary.

The end section 306 is an area indicating that this data stream has ended, and meaning that other parameter information or the like does not follow thereafter. Note that intermediate portions 302 and 304 in the data stream shown in FIG.
Corresponds to the intermediate portions 302 and 304 shown in FIG.

In this image example as well, the GIF system was used. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment as long as the image information is of another format and the related information can be recorded in an area separated from the image information. Is within.

The information image file to which the unique identifier as the related information is added is handled in the information image file transmission processing unit 16 and the communication control unit 11 in the same manner as a normal image file, and is transmitted to the outside.

Next, an example of using the information image file generated by the portable terminal device 1 will be described. The terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be a digital television, a PDA, or the like. In this example, the terminal device 2 will be described as a personal computer. This personal computer has at least a CPU or MPU
And a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a storage device such as a hard disk, a communication interface such as a modem and a terminal adapter, a display device such as a CRT and an LCD, and an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard. This will be described with reference to functional blocks shown in the figure. An OS (Operating System) 21 that executes and controls various controls in parallel, a communication control unit 22 that executes control and communication processing of the entire terminal device, a Web browser 23, an image data processing unit 24, an input unit 25 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 26 including a display, and mail transmission / reception software as required.

Here, the information image file generated by the portable terminal device 1 according to the present invention is transmitted from the communication control unit 11 as an attached file of an e-mail from the terminal device 2 via a communication network such as direct or the Internet. And sent to

The terminal device 2 receives the e-mail transmitted from the portable terminal device 1 using the e-mail transmission / reception program, and opens the information image file as an attached file using the Web browser 23. This state is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 261 denotes a screen of the display 26, and an icon image 100 as an information image file is displayed in the first window 262 of the screen 261.

In this terminal device 2, as shown in FIG.
For example, by executing an application program that operates in cooperation with the Web browser 23, a process (image data processing unit 24) for handling image data to which related information such as a unique identifier is added is executed.

When the image data to which the related information is added is supplied by the Web browser 23, the image data processing unit 24 performs a process according to the related information. This processing includes, for example, management of saving, deleting, updating, and the like of image data based on related information. Further, when information such as a URL is added to the image data, execution is performed according to the information. Processing is included. Hereinafter, details of each process will be described.

As in the example of the display screen of the display 26 in FIG. 9, when the image data processing unit 24 is executed, the second window 263 is operated by the OS 21 in the same manner as the first window 262 of the Web browser 23. Assigned.

The supply of information image data from the Web browser 23 to the image data processing unit 24 can be performed by a so-called drag and drop operation under the control of the OS 21. That is, the user operates the pointing device 251 such as a mouse to
2 is matched with the display position of the icon image 100 displayed in the window 262 of the Web browser 23, and while the left button 251L of the pointing device 251 is pressed, the pointing device 251 is further moved to move the pointer 252 to the image data. Move to the second window 263 by the processing unit 24, and finally release the left button 251L of the pointing device 251. Thereby, the information image file is supplied from the Web browser 23 to the image data processing unit 24 via the OS 21.

When the information image file is supplied, the image data processing section 24 displays the image 101 corresponding to the supplied image data at the position of the current pointer 252 in the second window 263.

The information image data is stored in a predetermined area of a storage device such as a hard disk via the OS 21 when the information image data is supplied by the above-described drag and drop operation. This is done by saving. The deletion of the information image data is performed by deleting the information image data selected by the instruction from the user from the above-mentioned predetermined area of the hard disk.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of accessing the pointer by menu selection, and shows the second window 263 in an enlarged manner. The user operates the pointing device 251 to place the pointer 252 on the icon image 101 supplied to the second window 263. Next, the user clicks the right button 251R of the pointing device 251. The MPU of the terminal device 2 is
When this click is detected, the related information included in the information image file corresponding to the icon image 101 is read from the hard disk device, and menu display data is generated. That is, the “command name” is extracted as a menu item, and the menu 102 is displayed in the second window 263. Next, the user operates the pointing device 25.
1 is operated to move the pointer 252 so as to overlap the menu item to be selected. Then, the user clicks the left button 251L of the pointing device 251 to select and determine one menu item. Upon detecting this click, the MPU of the terminal device 2 refers to the related information, inputs pointer information corresponding to the selected command name to the browser 23, and accesses the pointer. MPU also
When a file returned from the server is received according to the access destination, the received file is executed according to the action table corresponding to the command name selected this time. For example, playback of an image by a real player (trademark) is executed.

Here, the window 26 for image data processing
The items of the menu 102 displayed when the icon image 102 displayed in 3 is clicked are determined by the contents of the related information embedded in the information image file. The information image file including the related information is transmitted from the above-described portable terminal device 1.
Will display a unique identifier. As described above, by adding the unique identifier of the portable terminal device 1 that created the information image file as the related information of the information image file, the user who has received the information can obtain the telephone number and IP address of the creator. A unique identifier such as a model serial number or an ID number or a symbol arbitrarily set by a user can be stored together with the image data, which is convenient for replying to the image data.

When information such as a URL is added to the information image data as related information, the image data processing section 24 extracts the added information and executes a process according to the extracted information. Specifically, if the added information is a URL, the image data processing unit 24 records this URL, and when the user instructs access to this URL, the Web browser 23 transmits the URL to the URL. Instruct access. The user transmits the image data to which the desired URL has been added to the Web browser 2.
3 to the image data processing unit 24,
This URL can be easily accessed. That is, this information image data functions as a link to a specific URL.

A so-called bookmark is known as having such a function. However, since a bookmark is usually stored as character information, it may be difficult to recognize an actual link destination. On the other hand, a link based on image data can recognize the link destination at a glance with an image, and is easier to understand than a link based on characters.

Also, a banner advertisement is known as an image indicating a link to a predetermined URL. In this case, since the image data and the URL of the link destination are independent, the image data is simply stored. The link destination URL is not saved just by doing so. In addition, the banner advertisement may be updated in a short time, and the same image data, that is, the same link destination URL is not always obtained at the next access, so that it is necessary to surely save the link destination URL. , Create a bookmark, etc.
The RL must be saved.

On the other hand, if the information such as the URL is information image data to which related information has been added, the URL is extracted by the image data processing unit 24 by simply storing the information, and access to the URL is performed. Since it can be performed, the operation can be facilitated.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the image data processing unit 24 is implemented as a process different from that of the Web browser 23, the image data processing unit 24 has a function of handling information added to image data. Web browser 23
Can be implemented as an extension program (so-called plug-in).

Second to Fourth Embodiment FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the portable terminal device 1 of the present invention. The portable terminal device 1 of the present example is different from the above-described first embodiment in the method of capturing image information and related information. In FIGS. 1 and 2, elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted.

That is, the portable terminal device 1 of the present embodiment has the CC
An image pickup device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a camera) 18 including a D camera or the like, and an image processing unit 17 that processes an image acquired by the image pickup device 18. A code pattern in which related information is symbolized, for example, a mesh bit pattern is read.
In the mesh bit pattern, image information and unique information related thereto are symbolized, and the image information obtained by the imaging device 18 is separated and decoded into image information and unique information by the image processing unit 17. You. Then, the image information and the unique information are sent to the information image generating unit 15, where the unique information is written in the data stream of the image file,
The information image file is transmitted to the external terminal device 2 via the information image file transmission processing unit 16 and the communication control unit 11 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

Such a portable terminal device 1 can be used, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of the mobile terminal device according to the present embodiment. At the entrance of a store S, an advertisement having image information including the contents of the store and character information related to the image information is indicated by a symbol. The converted code pattern CP is pasted. When the user carrying the mobile terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment intends to meet with someone at this store, for example, the code pattern CP is imaged by the camera 18 of the mobile terminal device 1,
The image processing unit 17 separates and decodes the information into unique information and image information, and the information image generating unit 15 adds the unique information to the image information to generate an information image file. By transmitting the generated information image about the store S to the waiting partner in accordance with an instruction from the input unit 12, the partner can specify the store S.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a third embodiment of the portable terminal device 1 of the present invention, and is preferably applied to a case where the code pattern CP captured by the camera 18 is only related information such as character information. It is. That is, the camera 18 captures an image of the code pattern CP attached to the entrance of the store S, and decodes the captured code pattern CP into the unique information by the image processing unit 17. On the other hand, the same camera 18 captures an arbitrary image (for example, a landscape at the entrance of a store) and sends it to the information image generation unit 15.

The information image generation section 15 generates an information image file by adding the unique information of the store S decoded from the code pattern CP to arbitrary image information taken in by the user's will. Then, by transmitting an information image generated for the store S to the waiting partner in accordance with an instruction from the input unit 12, the partner can store the information in the store S.
Can be specified.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the portable terminal device 1 of the present invention. The code pattern CP captured by the camera 18 includes related information such as character information and image information. This is a preferable embodiment applied to a case where an arbitrary image is to be provided. That is, the camera 18
Captures the code pattern CP pasted at the entrance of the store S, decodes it with the image processing unit 17, and extracts only the unique information therefrom. On the other hand, the same camera 18 captures an arbitrary image (for example, a landscape at the entrance of a store) and sends it to the information image generation unit 15.

The information image generation unit 15 generates an information image file by adding the unique information of the store S extracted from the code pattern CP to arbitrary image information taken in by the user's will. Then, by transmitting an information image generated for the store S to the waiting partner in accordance with an instruction from the input unit 12, the partner can store the information in the store S.
Can be specified. In particular, in the case where it is difficult to specify a location with ready-made image information, a user can use a scenery or the like which is considered to be preferable as image information, so that the degree of freedom in using an information image file is increased.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention. In the second to fourth embodiments described above, the image information and the unique information of the store S are the code patterns CP.
This is captured by the camera 18 and decoded by the image processing unit 17, but in this example, it is preferably applied when the store S has a local communication network (for example, Bluetooth or IrDA). It is. That is, the server 4 of the local communication network 5 shown in FIG.
File storage unit 4 storing image files related to
2 and information that records the unique information stored in the unique information storage unit 41 in the data stream of the image file stored in the image file storage unit 42 in response to a request from the mobile terminal device 1 and becomes an information image file It has an image generation unit 43 and a transmission / reception unit 44 for executing communication by the local communication network 5.

On the other hand, the portable terminal device 1 of the present embodiment
Transmission / reception unit 19 for executing communication by local communication network 5
And an information image file transmission processing unit 16 for transmitting the information image file received by the transmission / reception unit 19, a communication control unit 11 having an antenna, and an input unit 12 including a keyboard and input buttons.

Then, the user of the portable terminal device 1 goes to the store S and sends the store S via the local communication network 5.
When the server 4 requests an information image file related to the information file, the server 4 stores the requested image file in the image file storage unit 42.
, And read out the unique information related thereto from the unique information storage unit 41, and record the unique information in the image file by the information image generation unit 43 to generate the information image file. Then, this is transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 44 to the transmitting / receiving unit 19 of the portable terminal device 1 via the local communication network 5. The mobile terminal device 1 transmits the information image file received by the transmission / reception unit 19 to the external terminal device 2 via the information image file transmission processing unit 16 and the communication control unit 11 according to an instruction from the input unit 11.

By the way, in FIG. 6, the portable terminal 1
Has an information image generating unit 43, the unique information and the image information are transmitted from the server 4 via the transmitting and receiving units 44 and 19, and the mobile terminal device 1 generates the information image file. good. In this case, one of the unique information and the image information may be provided from the server 4.

The embodiments described above are described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0082]

(1) According to the invention according to the first aspect,
An information image file in which an identifier unique to the mobile terminal device is integrated can be easily created on the mobile terminal device and can be easily transmitted, so that the usability of the information image file is improved. Also, the side receiving this information image file can easily specify the portable terminal device transmitted with the unique identifier, which is convenient for a reply operation or the like.

(2) According to the invention according to the second and third aspects, an information image file in which unique information obtained by the imaging means or obtained through an external communication network is integrated is transferred to the portable terminal device. Since the information image file can be easily created and transmitted easily, the usability of the information image file is improved. In addition, by transmitting the unique information acquired by the imaging unit or the external communication network, it is easy to specify the content and location of the store or the like.

(3) According to the invention according to the fourth aspect, an information image file is generated by recording unique information in the image information obtained from the code pattern, and this information image file is transmitted to the outside of the store. Information is quickly and widely disseminated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a first embodiment of a portable terminal device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a third embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a usage example of the mobile terminal device according to the second to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an information image showing a storage structure of related information according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an information image showing another example of a storage structure of related information according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display on the terminal device side that has received the information image according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a method of operating a mouse in the second window shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable terminal device 11 ... Communication control part 12 ... Input part 13 ... Unique identifier storage part 14 ... Image file storage part 15 ... Information image generation part 17 ... Image processing part (imaging means) 18 ... Imaging apparatus (imaging means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Hatta 2-20-8 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Inside Vision Arts Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasufumi Fujikawa 2-20-8 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Vision Arts F term in reference (reference) 5C053 GB01 GB06 JA16 LA01 LA06 LA11 LA14 5C062 AA12 AC21 AC41 AE08 AF00 BA04 BB03 5K067 AA21 AA34 BB04 BB21 DD17 DD52 EE02 GG01 HH21 HH23 HH24

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and an identifier unique to the portable terminal device in a data stream of the image file relating to the image file An information image generation unit that records the information as an information and generates an information image file, wherein the communication control unit transmits the information image file generated by the information image generation unit based on an instruction from the input unit Mobile terminal device. 2. An input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, a recording area for information affecting an image display and a recording area for information not affecting an image display. An information image generation unit that records an identifier unique to the portable terminal device as related information of the image file in a recording area of information that does not affect display of the image of the image file including the image file, and generates an information image file A mobile terminal device that transmits the information image file generated by the information image generation unit based on an instruction from the input unit. 3. An information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, wherein an identifier unique to the portable terminal device is included in a data stream of an image file. An information providing method in which an information image file is generated by recording as information related to an image file and transmitted. 4. An information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, comprising: a recording area for information affecting an image display and a recording of information not affecting an image display. In the image file including the area, in the recording area of the information that does not affect the display of the image, an identifier unique to the portable terminal device is recorded as relevant information of the image file to generate an information image file, Information providing method to send this. 5. An imaging unit, an input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and a unique information acquired by the imaging unit in a data stream of an image file. An information image generating unit that records information as relevant information of the image file to generate an information image file, wherein the communication control unit is generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit. A portable terminal device for transmitting an information image file. 6. An image pickup unit, an input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, a recording area of information affecting display of an image, and information not affecting the display of an image. The unique information acquired by the imaging means is recorded as related information of the image file in a recording area of information which does not affect the display of the image of the image file including the recording area of A portable information terminal that transmits an information image file generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit. 7. The image capturing means captures and decodes a code pattern in which at least image information and unique information are encoded, and sends the code pattern to the information image generating unit. The information image generating unit sends the code pattern from the image capturing unit. 7. The portable terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the unique information is recorded as related information in the obtained image information. 8. The image capturing means captures and decodes at least a code pattern in which unique information is encoded, and sends the code pattern to the information image generating unit, wherein the information image generating unit acquires an image separately acquired by the image capturing means. 7. The portable terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the unique information sent from the imaging unit is recorded as information as related information. 9. An information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, wherein the unique information captured is stored in a data stream of the image file. An information providing method for generating an information image file by recording as information and transmitting the generated information image file. 10. An information providing method using a portable terminal device for transmitting predetermined information based on an input instruction, comprising: a recording area for information affecting display of an image; and a recording area for information not affecting the display. In the image file including the area, in the recording area of the information that does not affect the display of the image, the captured unique information is recorded as related information of the image file, and an information image file is generated and transmitted. Information provision method. 11. An input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, and a unique information acquired via an external communication network in a data stream of an image file. An information image generating unit that records information related to the file and generates an information image file, wherein the communication control unit is an information image file generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit. A mobile terminal device that sends a message. 12. An input unit, a communication control unit for transmitting predetermined information based on an instruction from the input unit, a recording area for information affecting display of an image, and a recording area for information not affecting the display of an image. An information image for generating an information image file by recording the unique information obtained via an external communication network as related information of the image file in a recording area of information not affecting display of the image of the image file including A portable terminal device having a generating unit, wherein the communication control unit transmits the information image file generated by the information image generating unit based on an instruction from the input unit. 13. An image file and unique information obtained through the external communication network and transmitted to the information image generation unit, wherein the information image generation unit obtains the image file and the unique information from the image file obtained from the external communication network. 13. The portable terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the information is recorded as related information of the image file. 14. Acquiring at least unique information via the external communication network and sending it to the information image generating unit, wherein the information image generating unit stores the unique information acquired from the external communication network in an image file, 13. The portable terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the portable terminal device records the information as file-related information. 15. A unique information storage unit for storing unique information; an image file storage unit for storing an image file; and a data stream of the image file stored in the image file storage unit. Record the stored unique information as related information of the image file,
An information image generation unit that generates an information image file, and a transmission / reception unit that transmits the information image file generated by the information image generation unit in response to a request from the mobile terminal device;
An information providing device having: 16. An information storage unit for storing unique information, an image file storage unit for storing an image file, and a recording area for information affecting display of an image and a recording area for information not affecting the display of an image. Information image generation for recording the unique information stored in the unique information storage unit as related information of the image file in a recording area of information that does not affect the display of the image of the image file, and generating an information image file A transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the information image file generated by the information image generating unit in response to a request from the mobile terminal device;
An information providing device having: 17. An information providing apparatus for transmitting at least unique information to a portable terminal device in response to a request from the portable terminal device according to claim 11. 18. An information providing method for encoding advertisement information and other information relating to a store into image information and related information, and posting the encoded code pattern outside and / or inside the store. 19. A store in which a code pattern in which advertisement information and other information relating to the store is encoded into image information and related information is posted outside and / or inside the store.